According to a 2021 World Wildlife Fund (WFF) report, wildlife populations have plummeted by an average of 68% since 1970. This decline is largely attributed to human activities, including habitat loss driven by agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure development.
With businesses being one of the main culprits in this biodiversity crisis, traditional monitoring methods often fall short. They can be time-consuming, expensive, and struggle to capture the full picture of a region’s wildlife.
Startup NatureMetrics offers a biodiversity monitoring platform that uses environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, offering a variety of services, including survey design, biodiversity metrics, and nature impact reporting.
Meet NatureMetrics
The company was founded in 2014 in the United Kingdom by Dr Kat Bruce, Prof. Doug Yu and Prof. Alfried Vogler — molecular ecologists who were among the pioneers of DNA-based biodiversity assessment.
NatureMetrics’ current CEO is Dimple Patel, a former founder, CEO, COO and Fixed Income Trader. She spent time at Goldman Sachs before co-founding Love Koffee, and then joining European scale-up Trouva as Director of Operations.
Earlier this year, NatureMetrics was selected as a 2024 World Economic Forum (WEF) Technology Pioneer.
The company was present at COP28, unveiling an informative guide on eDNA-powered nature intelligence in coastal ecosystems to global leaders. That comprehensive resource was aimed to equip stakeholders with a deeper understanding of the pivotal role coastal ecosystems play in achieving climate goals and highlights environmental DNA (eDNA) as a scalable solution for effective measurement.
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They are now working with over 500 customers across 104 countries, including Nestle, Tesco, and Anglo American. In 2023, MSC Cruises partnered with NatureMetrics to advance their understanding of the most endangered marine species.
“Collaboration is crucial in our quest to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by the end of the decade. MSC’s pioneering work to collect and share biodiversity data with our eBioAtlas programme will unlock nature insights that allow us to make informed decisions on marine conservation globally,” said Dr Kat Bruce, Founder at NatureMetrics. “The time for decisive action is now, and with organizations like MSC leading the way in the travel industry, we can create a world where businesses and nature can make meaningful progress in harmony.”
This year, NatureMetrics partnered up with Unilever to deliver regenerative farming practices across its supply chain to improve soil health, water quality and overall biodiversity.
NatureMetrics’ Approach
NatureMetrics leverages environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to provide a comprehensive picture of biodiversity within a specific area. The eDNA refers to genetic material shed by organisms in their environment, such as skin cells or feces.
By collecting water or soil samples, the measurement can extract and analyze the eDNA to identify the species present. This method offers several advantages over traditional monitoring techniques; for example:
- Increased Accuracy: eDNA can detect a wider range of species, including those that are difficult to observe visually.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Collecting eDNA samples is often faster and less disruptive than traditional methods.
- Improved Cost-Effectiveness: NatureMetrics’ approach can be more cost-effective than traditional methods, especially for large-scale monitoring projects.
Here’s how NatureMetrics explains eDNA:
NatureMetrics translates this eDNA data into actionable insights through a five-step process:
- Assessment: They help businesses understand their current biodiversity footprint, identifying potential risks associated with their operations.
- Planning: Working collaboratively, establishing science-based goals aligned with industry best practices and global sustainability standards.
- Measurement: eDNA analysis is used to gather data on the biodiversity within a company’s operational area.
- Reporting: NatureMetrics’ Intelligence Platform transforms raw data into clear reports with key metrics and indicators of biodiversity health.
- Disclosure: The platform provides an end-to-end reporting service, ensuring companies are prepared for future regulatory requirements.
Looking ahead: measured natures ecosystems
As eDNA analysis becomes more widely adopted, a future where all businesses routinely measure their environmental impact becomes more attainable.
This shift towards data-driven decision-making can pave the way for more sustainable practices across various industries.
By integrating biodiversity data into their operations, businesses can minimize their environmental footprint and contribute to a future where economic growth is balanced with environmental responsibility.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: Google’s Deepmind Ecosystem. Featured Photo Credit: Pexels.
